FOI request detail

Tottenham Court Road - PSED/ Taxis

Request ID: FOI-2619-2425
Date published: 09 December 2024

You asked
In the case of United Trade Action Group v Transport for London [2021] EWCA Civ 1197, the Court of Appeal held that taxis are to be considered a form of public transport. Consequently, when Camden Council or Transport for London (TfL) authorises the full or partial closure of a road, it is incumbent upon the authority to consider their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, specifically the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) under section 149. This duty requires that due regard be given to the potential impact of such closures on individuals who may rely on taxis and may have a protected characteristic. At present, Tottenham Court Road is partially closed in a southbound direction, with traffic permitted to travel northbound only between the sections from Hanway Street to Goodge Street. I am uncertain whether Camden Council or TfL is responsible for the management of this road; therefore, I request that the responsible authority provides its PSED considerations in relation to taxi services and their users when granting permission for these road restrictions. If necessary, I am prepared to submit this request formally under the Freedom of Information Act. Accordingly, I request that both Camden Council and TfL provide their PSED assessments concerning taxis during this temporary road closure period. In particular, I request from TfL any guidance or directives provided to taxi drivers on meeting equality duties when access to a passenger’s destination requires passing through a bus gate during restricted hours. In the absence of any PSED undertaken by Camden Council or TfL, am I correct in concluding that the bus gate restriction is suspended for taxis operating as public transport when transporting passengers with protected characteristics to the restricted section of Tottenham Court Road?

We answered

TfL Ref: FOI-2619-2425

 

Thank you for your request which we received on 12 November 2024, asking for guidance provided to taxi drivers on meeting equality duties when access to a passenger’s destination requires passing through a bus gate during restricted hours.

 

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm TfL does hold the information you require.

 

The design of traffic schemes needs to take account of the specific infrastructure features, people movements and traffic demand in a particular location.  All aspects of road user access, including taxi access, are carefully considered in the context of the outcomes intended for each scheme. The West End Project which you referred to is managed by Camden Council and further information can be found on their website, here: www3.camden.gov.uk/westendproject.

 

We expect taxi drivers to follow the rules that are in place for motorists when driving, although taxi drivers may be able to sometimes stop to pick up or drop off customers in areas where there are waiting or stopping restrictions. The relevant guidance is published here: tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/parking-information. 

 

In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.

 

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

Eva Hextall 

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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